“The spa day gave me back that feeling of mattering, of just being, being pampered along with a bunch of people who 'got it'.
“When I sat having lunch, surrounded by my Camp Simcha family, I could really let go of the facade and be myself.
Mums enjoy some "me time" at Camp Simcha's Manchester spa day (Photo: Camp Simcha)[Missing Credit]
As for the pampering, Rachel said she was “hard pressed to pick my favourite moment of the day. Was it having that delicious, oh-yes-please-more-of-that-please massage? Getting gorgeous nails? Piling my plate with heavenly salads in rainbow colours, and just eating...slowly...with no rush? The chance to catch up with people in similar situations? I can't choose!”
Beauty therapist Michal Segal of The Skincare Spa Manchester, who volunteered to provide facials, said it was a privilege to be part of the day.
She said: “Listening to mums’ stories and hearing their strength, hope and resilience as they battle day to day with their loved ones, gave me a new appreciation of life… I just feel so much awe and respect for all those amazing Camp Simcha mums.”
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Mum Katie (right) with one of the London spa day therapists (Photo: Camp Simcha)[Missing Credit]
Camp Simcha chief executive Daniel Gillis said: “For a mother caring for a seriously ill child, balancing the needs of that child’s condition alongside her other children, family responsibilities and perhaps even a career, can be beyond overwhelming at times.
“This is precisely the point when Camp Simcha’s mums’ spa day makes a tangible difference, offering the incredible women we support a well-deserved break and a chance to be with others who understand.”
Camp Simcha annually supports over 1,500 family members throughout the UK and provides a range of support services for families coping with serious childhood illness.
